A BRAVE SCIENTIST.

Press, Volume LXII, Issue 12478, 14 April 1906, Page 9

A BRAVE SCIENTIST.

Signor Matteuoci, the director of the Naples Observatory, is most devoted to his work of observing volcanic phenomena, and lias on previous occasions narrowly escaped witii his life. A representative of "The Press," while on a visit to Italy, *in 1904, had the pleasure of going over the Observatory, and of Matteuoci. Tbe Observatory is situated 1995 leet above the level of the sea, on a rtdge which divides two lava streams which descended from the crater in the great eruption of 1872. The electric tramway was oantinued about 1J miles beyond the Observatory, and then passengers changed into the funicular railway to reach the Summit. The tramway and funicular were both the property of Messrs Thomas Cook and Sons, and that enterprising firm will be heavy sufferers by the disaster. The Observatory contained a large and varied assortment of "bombs" ejected from the volcano, and specimens of all the volcanic products collected in the neighbourhood:. Perhaps its most interesting feature, however, was the collection of photographs taken by Signor Matteucci, illustrating different phases of eruptions he had witnessed. On one occasion, his enthusiasm leading him too far in the zone of danger, he was struck down by some heavy "bombs," or masses of molten lava, causing injuries which confined him to his bed tor three months. In mentioning the incident to "The Press" representative, he added, with a rueful smile, that he fully expected the volcano would kill him ultimately. In sticking to his poet so long during the present eruption, Signor Matteucci has emulated, if not bettered, the example of his famous predecessor, Palmieri, who remained at the Observatory during the great eruption of 1872, when the lava flowed on both sides of the Observatory in the manner described above, and actually destroyed twenty persons out a crowd of spectators who were watching the speotacle, while others were injured by falling stones ejected from the crater. The public are too apt to forget how much true heroism is shown in the pursuit of science. Such bravery as that shown by Palmieri and Matteucci calls for as much courage as is displayed on the field of battle, while the scientists have not the rage of warfare and the "Inst of blood" to sustain them. We hope that Signor Matteucci may be spared, not only to write a full account of the present eruption, but to continue his services in the cause of science for many years to come.